Gasoline is a major expense for many Americans. Since about 76% of U.S. workers drive to work, even small changes in gasoline prices can have a big impact on workers’ income over time.
With this in mind, it’s understandable that many car owners are looking for ways to reduce the price at the pump. This discussion has also been taking place online, with one internet user sharing his methods for getting the most out of a fueling experience and another advising viewers not to buy grade 89 gasoline.
Now a TikTok user has sparked a debate by revealing a method that supposedly reduces gas consumption.
How to reduce your fuel consumption according to a driver
In a video with over 70,000 views, TikTok user Ovet Reynoso (@ovet_reynoso) explains his method for saving gas.
“Go to your nearest AutoZone. Go to the chemical section and get one of those fuel system cleaners,” he says, picking up two bottles of ShopPro Complete Fuel System Cleaner. “Before you fill your gas tank, you should dump all of the fuel system cleaner into your gas tank.”
The video then shows him emptying an entire bottle of the cleaner into his gas tank.
Reynoso then explains how he believes these cleaners can reduce gasoline consumption.
“These fuel system cleaners remove all the dirt from the combustion chamber,” he explains. “They not only clean the combustion chamber, but also the injectors.”
After driving around and letting the cleaner do its work, Reynoso says you should notice an improvement in gas mileage.
He also adds that “adding more fuel to a car that uses regular gasoline does not reduce gas mileage” and that turning off the air conditioning does not significantly reduce gas mileage.
Is that true?
As for the last two points, it is true that using premium gasoline in a car that needs regular gasoline will not improve gas mileage. However, using air conditioning can, in certain cases, dramatically reduce fuel consumption, reducing fuel consumption by 3 to 10 percent.
As for fuel system cleaners, there appears to be no evidence that such cleaners have a positive effect on fuel economy.
MotorTrend has found that fuel system filler cleaners do not dramatically improve an engine’s performance, although others have occasionally reported benefits from such products. However, few report improved fuel economy, so if you’re thinking about using such additives to improve your gas mileage, you may want to look elsewhere.
@ovet_reynoso Here is a quick tip on how to save gas or improve gas mileage 😁👍🏻
♬ Original sound – Ovet Reynoso
In the comments, users expressed their skepticism about this advice.
“99% of fuel system cleaners have been proven ineffective and almost all gas stations have added cleaners that do what they promise,” wrote one user.
“Any fuel additive is a waste of money. Gasoline itself is a very abrasive and effective cleaner,” added another. “Don’t add anything. Total waste of money.”
If you are still interested in using any of these products, it is recommended that you read the instructions on the label to use it correctly.
The Daily Dot contacted Reynoso via email.
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